da supremo： Everton have received a potentially significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford this afternoon.
What’s the word?
da bet nacional： Rafael Benitez revealed in Friday’s press conference that key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could make his long-awaited return from a metatarsal issue, having missed the Toffees’ last four top-flight fixtures.
“He’s been training today, so it’s one play that may be available,” the Spaniard confirmed. “Because it’s a metatarsal issue, if he’s fine then he’s fine.
“We have to make sure he goes to the game if everything is healed and the player is confident. It’s always a risk coming back from injury, but not a massive risk.”
Benitez was then quizzed over the availability of another engine room operator Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who has only featured in one minute of action since he was hauled off at half-time against Wolves at the start of the month.
“It’s complicated. After two years, to play against Wolves was not easy. After we had to make a decision against Spurs, I put (Mason) Holgate in – we have to be honest, it didn’t work. Sometimes it’s like that.”
Benitez will be buzzing
News that Dourcure could return to either the starting line-up or the matchday squad for the trip to the Brentford Community Stadium will leave Benitez absolutely buzzing.
The Frenchman is a crucial cog in the Blues’ engine room and was in fine form before he picked up his injury, scoring two goals and providing a further four assists in just eight Premier League appearances.
Since Doucoure’s fitness setback, Everton have only picked up one point from a possible 12, dropping to 12th in the top-flight table and highlighting his importance to the side.
Therefore, the 6-foot beast’s potential return could provide a big boost to Benitez’s charges this afternoon as they attempt to end a six-game winless run.
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